COLUSA, CA (MPG) – What happens when you put Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire tale into a blender with Mel Brooks, Monty Python and “The 39 Steps”? Colusa audiences can find out when The Stagehands Theater presents “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen.
Opening Friday, Oct. 23 at the Colusa County Fairgrounds, this lightning-fast, laugh-out-loud, 90-minute romp for mature audiences gives the literary classic a hilariously unexpected twist. Five actors play more than a dozen characters in a production filled with clever wordplay, quick-change antics and gender-bending comedy.
When Lucy Westfeldt’s sister Mina falls ill with a mysterious disease of the blood, Lucy and her fiancé, Jonathan Harker, enlist the help of famed female vampire hunter Dr. Jean Van Helsing. Their hunt for the dangerous and sexy Count Dracula sets the stage for a bloodcurdlingly funny adventure.
The production marks Jeff Graham’s directorial debut at The Stagehands Theater. Local audiences first saw Graham earlier this year as Dionysus in “The Curse of Dionysus.” He brings 22 years of community theater experience, having worked as a director, actor or technical crew member in more than 80 productions.
“I first saw this show during the pandemic as clips on TikTok and I fell in love with the hilarity and fast pace,” Graham said. “Lucky for me they made the rights available for local productions and the board agreed to let me do the show here at The Stagehands.”
The cast brings together performers from outside Colusa and local talent, including Colusa’s own Kelli Randolph. Joining Randolph are Lennon King, Darian Stranix, Bill Buchner and Victor Ridgeway.
Erin Knight serves as stage manager, with Ada Setzer and Scott Swift on stage crew. Lexy Osburn and Chris Fantl handle technical duties in the booth.
The production also features original music composed by Gannon Koranda, a local musician who has moved to Los Angeles to pursue his musical aspirations.
“We are very blessed to have original music being composed for the show for us by Gannon Koranda,” Graham said. “While producing an EP that is currently available to be streamed he made time to compose completely original music for us!”
Graham expressed his appreciation to The Stagehands board for welcoming him as a guest director and trusting him to bring something different to the Colusa stage.
The Stagehands are also introducing advance reserved seating through their new website, thestagehands.org. Patrons can select their seats ahead of time, while tickets will continue to be available at the door.
“We are excited to offer a new experience for our theatergoers and patrons,” said Stagehands board President Devin Kelley.
Performances are dedicated to the memory of Ralph Newlin, a longtime Stagehands member who recently died.
Evening performances are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31, at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Sunday matinees will take place Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 at 2 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m.
Performances will take place in The Stagehands Theater’s bright blue building at the Colusa County Fairgrounds, with access through the Ninth Street entrance.
This production is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, with the same prices online and at the door.